WPC: Favorite Place — On board the Bowdoin on Penobscot Bay

22Mar
by Oh, the Places We See
Cadets learning to sail aboard Bowdoin
Bowdoin setting sail from Acadia Dock in Castine, Maine

Bowdoin setting sail from Acadia Dock in Castine, Maine

Many people have asked us what our favorite place in Maine might be since our trip in the Fall of 2017.  Of course, there are many, but for Tennessee landlubbers like us, sailing the Bowdoin on Penobscot Bay has to be a memory for a lifetime.

Bowdoin, training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy

Bowdoin, training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy

It was the dream of Donald B. McMillan to sail to the Arctic Circle, and that dream in 1921 led to the hiring of a Naval architect, William B. Hand, to design the schooner Bowdoin (named after McMillan’s alma mater Bowdoin College) that would eventually make 30 trips to the Arctic, 25 under the command of McMillan. After serving several owners, Bowdoin finally came under the ownership of the Maine Maritime Academy (located in Castine) for use as a sail training vessel.

Cadets learning to sail aboard Bowdoin

Cadets learning to sail aboard Bowdoin

When not in use for training cadets, Maine Maritime Academy allows community residents and visitors to set sail if crews are available.  And that’s how we were allowed to sail the smooth waters of Penobscot Bay one golden October afternoon.

Sailing at sunset on the Penobscot Bay

Sailing at sunset on the Penobscot Bay

Hoisting the sails, experiencing the quiet of a sail boat on placid waters, and seeing Dice Head Light from the deck of Bowdoin remain some of our fondest memories of Maine.  Most assuredly, we were in a favorite place.

 

See other favorite places in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Favorite Place.

 

20 thoughts on “WPC: Favorite Place — On board the Bowdoin on Penobscot Bay”

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You’ve picked up on what impressed me most: the quality and durability of this ocean-going vessel. We got a short tour, but even so, I could tell that the quarters below were cramped, and I would have to sleep with my knees in the air. Other than that, the whole experience of sailing to the Arctic on this boat was something I wish I could experience. No wonder people of means dream of these lovely boats!!! Thanks for taking a look!

      Reply

      1. Curt Mekemson

        Probably like sleeping in one of my small backpacking tents, Rusha. 🙂 But I do like to stretch out. Our small RV has a kingsized bed! –Curt

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  4. dawnkinster

    These are beautiful images! I’m having a hard time with this week’s challenge as I haven’t been able to narrow it down to one best and favorite place.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks for taking a look, Dawn. I’ve been off WordPress for a few days, so I don’t know if you ever nailed down your photo of the week. But, knowing you, you found something excellent to share!!!

      Reply

  5. Pit

    Oh, how I love those old timers! I’m already happily looking forward to bein on board the “When and If” [https://sailwhenandif.com/] on my birthday in April.

    Reply

      1. Pit

        Isn’t that a wonderful boat? Btw, it’ll be Galveston. There’s the “Tall Ship Challenge”, with a parade of the tall ships, exactly on my birthday [April 5], and my wife gave me the ticket for the “When and If” as a birthday present. 🙂 Exactly the righht present for someone who loved to sail.
        Thx for the birthday wishes. 🙂

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    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We never knew the joy of sailing. I guess I’ve only been on a sailboat of any size three times in my whole life! But now I understand the attraction. Not sure I could head to the Arctic and stay in the small bunks below on cold nights. But an afternoon on the Penobscot — well, that’s just heavenly!

      Reply

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